Lemon Tiramisu is a bright and creamy twist on the classic Italian dessert. I layer delicate ladyfingers with a silky lemon mascarpone cream to create a refreshing no-bake treat that is light, tangy, and perfect for warm days. The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and rich mascarpone delivers a delightful balance of citrus flavor and creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines the elegance of traditional tiramisu with the refreshing taste of lemon. Since it requires no baking, I can prepare it ahead of time and let the refrigerator do the work. The creamy layers, soft ladyfingers, and vibrant citrus notes make it an ideal dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or casual summer meals. I also appreciate how simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that looks impressive and tastes amazing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz mascarpone cheese
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 package ladyfingers
1 cup milk
Cocoa powder or extra lemon zest for garnish
Directions
I beat the heavy cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form.
In another bowl, I mix the mascarpone cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
I gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
I briefly dip the ladyfingers in milk and arrange a layer in a serving dish.
Then I spread a layer of lemon cream over the ladyfingers.
I repeat the layers, finishing with lemon cream on top.
I cover the dish and chill it for at least 4 hours.
Before serving, I garnish the tiramisu with cocoa powder or extra lemon zest.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 340 kcal per serving
Variations
I add fresh blueberries or raspberries between the layers for a fruity twist.
I use lemon curd in some of the layers for a more intense lemon flavor.
Also I replace the milk with a light lemon syrup for extra citrus notes.
I garnish the top with white chocolate shavings for added richness.
I add a touch of vanilla extract to the mascarpone mixture for a smoother flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
I store Lemon Tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor. If I need to store it longer, I freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Before serving frozen portions, I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Since this is a chilled dessert, I do not reheat it.
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FAQs
Can I make Lemon Tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare it a day in advance because the flavors develop beautifully as it chills overnight.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
I prefer fresh lemon juice because it provides a brighter and more natural citrus flavor, but bottled juice can work if needed.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
I sometimes use a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream as a substitute, although the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How do I keep the ladyfingers from becoming soggy?
I dip the ladyfingers very quickly in the milk so they soften without absorbing too much liquid.
Can I freeze Lemon Tiramisu?
Yes, I freeze it in airtight containers for up to one month and thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
I enjoy making Lemon Tiramisu whenever I want a dessert that feels both refreshing and indulgent. The creamy mascarpone filling, bright lemon flavor, and soft layers of ladyfingers create a beautiful combination that is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I serve it for a special occasion or a simple family dessert, this no-bake treat never fails to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Lemon Tiramisu
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and creamy no-bake dessert that layers delicate ladyfingers with silky lemon mascarpone cream. Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a refreshing citrus flavor balanced by rich, smooth mascarpone.
Ingredients
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 package ladyfingers
1 cup milk
Cocoa powder or extra lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Beat the heavy cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
- Briefly dip the ladyfingers in milk and arrange a layer in a serving dish.
- Spread a layer of lemon cream over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of lemon cream on top.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Before serving, garnish with cocoa powder or extra lemon zest.
Notes
Add fresh blueberries or raspberries between the layers for a fruity variation.
Use lemon curd between layers for a more intense lemon flavor.
Replace milk with a light lemon syrup for extra citrus notes.
Garnish with white chocolate shavings for added richness.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
